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Not only did she refuse to let her ex’s threats hang over them any longer, it was time to finally shut down his nonsense, once and for all.
* * *
As a younger man, Nash would have solved the conflict with Josh with his fists. But Nash was no longer that guy who threw drunk punches and ended up in jail. He was better than that now.
So when Ashley said that she wanted to be the one to inform Josh that his threats to seek sole custody wouldn’t be tolerated, Nash promised to stand beside her and not step in unless absolutely necessary.
Josh’s apartment wasn’t a terrible place, but his slightly run-down home didn’t have a hint of the character or warmth of Ashley’s cottage.
Her ex opened the door wearing only boxer shorts, and there were women’s clothes strewn across the floor behind him. He looked surprised, and none too pleased, to see them. “I’m busy. I can’t talk right now.”
The woman he was busy with didn’t look much older than a college student, and when she saw Nash, her mouth fell open.
“Oh my God, you’re Nash Hardwin!”
“This conversation is none of your business,” Josh snarled at her. “Put your clothes on and wait in the bedroom until I’m done here.”
Though she gathered up her things, she pulled out her phone before she headed out of the room and took a picture of Nash standing in the doorway.
“Kevin isn’t here right now, so I can do what I want with whoever I want,” Josh said, already on the defensive before Ashley had said a word.
“Honestly, I don’t care what you do or who you do it with when Kevin isn’t here, as long as it’s legal. However, I do care about your irrational and unforgivable threats.” Ashley reached for Nash’s hand. “Nash and I are a couple. So if you want to sue for sole custody, I dare you.”
Josh’s face lost its color. “You’re together for real?”
Nash nodded, baring his teeth at the other man in a not-quite-smile. “We are.”
“I’m not afraid of you, Josh,” Ashley informed him. “What’s more, I think you know, in your heart of hearts, the damage a custody battle would do to Kevin. Especially given that the odds of you winning are very, very slim. And also given that the legal battle would be very, very expensive.” Her voice softened slightly as she said, “Even though you are constantly making our son promises you don’t fulfill, I know you love Kevin and truly wouldn’t want to hurt him. It’s your decision, of course. But if you decide to pursue legal action, or if you ever threaten me again, I promise I will fight you every step of the way, no matter what it takes. And I will win.” She paused before saying, “I just hope that you can put Kevin above your own desire to beat me at something. You and I don’t have to be friends. But we do have to be partners in parenting.” She had just started to walk away when she turned back to say one more thing. “Oh yeah, and I want my money back for the RV rental. All of it, by Friday, in cash.”
With that, they turned and left Josh standing in his boxers at the open door with an open mouth. Though it took every ounce of Nash’s self-control, he held in check his urge to protect and avenge Ashley. If it did come down to a legal battle, however, Nash would throw the full weight of his money and connections behind her and Kevin. If Josh had even half a brain in his head, he would grovel the next time he saw Ashley and promise never to threaten her again.
* * *
A short while later, they arrived back at Ashley’s cottage. It was the first time they would be crossing the threshold as a bona fide couple, rather than as “just friends” or secret lovers.
Nash lifted Ashley into his arms, and she held on, laughing, as they walked inside. But instead of putting her down inside the door, he carried her into the bedroom.
“Do you have any idea how much I love you?” He punctuated each word with kisses that went deeper, and hotter, every time their lips touched.
“I do,” she whispered. “Because I love you just as much.”
He laid her on the bed, and as he stripped her pretty dress away, he worshiped her with first his eyes, then his hands, and finally his mouth as he loved every inch of her body. “You’re so beautiful. And you’re all mine.” With his hands and his mouth, he brought her to another incredible peak again and again, relishing every time she cried out beneath him, against him.
“I love you,” he said again, knowing he’d never get tired of saying the words and of feeling so much love deep within his heart.
